Green Monday

**Green Monday in Cyprus** Green Monday, also known as *Clean Monday* or *Kathara Deftera*, is a significant public holiday in Cyprus, marking the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Celebrated 48 days before Easter, it is a day of spiritual cleansing, renewal, and the start of the fasting period leading up to Easter Sunday. On Green Monday, Cypriots embrace a vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, dairy, and other animal products. Traditional foods include *lagana* (a special unleavened bread), olives, tahini, fresh vegetables, and *halva* (a sweet sesame-based dessert). Families and friends gather for outdoor picnics, often flying kites, a symbolic activity representing the soul's ascent to heaven. The holiday is deeply rooted in Cypriot culture, blending religious observance with communal festivities. It is a time for reflection, family bonding, and enjoying the beauty of nature, as many people head to the countryside or beaches to celebrate. Green Monday is a cherished tradition that highlights the island's rich cultural and religious heritage.